Around this time last year, I’d watch Timothy Liljegren’s highlight reel at least once a week. His ability to bolt the puck up the ice was flat out awe-inspiring, and I thought he would challenge Nolan Patrick to become the first pick in this year’s draft. He led Sweden in scoring at the U-17 tournament, posted 6 points in 7 games at the U-18 tournament, and outscored Elias Pettersson (the Canucks first round pick at 5th overall) in the SuperElit League.
Fast forward a year, and Liljegren was somehow available at #17. Mark Hunter and the Toronto Maple Leafs made no mistake.